Indonesia's culinary treasury is indeed rich. Sabang to Merauke have a variety of delicious snacks. Some of them are even on the list of the tastiest foods in the world.
Here are Indonesian culinary delights that are recognized as the most delicious food in the world. Starting from rendang, gambang bread, to Jumbo Fried Indomie which was once called the world's most delicious instant ramen by food columnist Los Angeles Times.
1. Rendang
Rendang had topped CNN's list of 50 Best Foods. However, currently the Minangkabau specialty is perched at position eleven.
Rendang is processed beef or buffalo that is cooked with spices and coconut milk for hours. The merandang process, which literally means cooking for a long time, produces processed meat with thick, dark spices. Apart from being popular in various regions, rendang also has important philosophical values for the Minangkabau people. That's why this dish is often served at important events.
Malaysia also has a similar dish called rendang. That is why this food has become a source of debate between citizens of the two countries. But actually Padang and Malaysian rendang have quite different appearances and main ingredients.
2. Fried Rice
Although this year was not included in CNN's 50 Best Foods list, fried rice was at the top in 2017. At that time this food was in second place after rendang. Based on the reader's choice, Indonesian fried rice won far more votes than Thai fried rice which was ranked 23rd.
Fried rice is a very popular dish for both local residents and foreign tourists. Its simple taste makes this dish a 'safe choice' for foreign tourists who want to try Indonesian cuisine. In addition, fried rice is also a simple dish that is easy to learn. So it is easy to spread to other countries too.
3. Sate
Satay, which is also a typical Indonesian culinary treat, was also perched on CNN's 50 Best Foods 2017, at position fourteen to be exact. Meanwhile, a typical Turkish kebab whose presentation is similar to satay is in the sixteenth position.
Almost every region in Indonesia has a different variety of satay recipes. However, the most common in every city is chicken satay or Madura goat satay which uses peanut sauce and soy sauce. It is this satay with peanut sauce that seems to be the most preferred by foreign tourists.
4. Bread Gambang
CNN has just released a list of the 50 most delicious breads in the world. Gambang bread which is known as old snacks is included in it. This Dutch heritage bread ranks nineteen. Bread is called gambang because its shape is similar to the traditional musical instrument of the Betawi people, the gambang Kromong. Gambang keromong is a kind of orchestra music that combines gamelan elements with Chinese musical instruments, such as sukong, kongahyan and tehyan.
Gambang bread has the characteristic shape of a block with a brownish color from brown sugar and a sprinkling of sesame on top. The way to eat it is somewhat different from most bread. Tear a little gambang bread first, then dip it in bitter coffee or fresh tea. It must be plain, because the sweetness comes from the bread.
5. Lapis Legit
Lapis legit is called by CNN as one of the tastiest national cakes in the world. Currently, it is in seventeen position, behind the pavlova from New Zealand, Prince Cake from Sweden, and Victoria Sponge from England.
Lapis legit has a characteristic form of a cake that is layered and smells like specuk. This cake is part of a combination of culinary traditions from the archipelago and the Netherlands. The taste is unique because it uses various types of spices, one of which is cinnamon.